SYDNEY — Reaction was favourable Wednesday to the Nova Scotia government's decision to introduce legislation this fall to prohibit the use of hydraulic fracturing in shale oil and gas projects.

Provincial Energy Minister Andrew Younger made the announcement in Halifax, saying public support just wasn't there for the controversial practice.

"Nova Scotians have clearly indicated they are not yet ready for the use of hydraulic fracturing in the development of shale reserves," said Younger. "Residents in communities across Nova Scotia will have the time to consider new research and information as it comes available without an artificial deadline. At the same time, new extraction technologies are being developed which will likely minimize or eliminate many risks and concerns."

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, uses large amounts of water, sand and chemicals under pressure in a drilled well to dislodge oil and natural gas deposits, making the natural resource more accessible to oil companies.

Nova Scotia imposed a two-year moratorium on fracking in 2012 when public concern arose over the potential for high-volume fracking to contaminate groundwater and pollute the air, concerns that the industry says are unfounded. People who support fracking believe allowing it could help Nova Scotia’s economy and reduce the province's reliance on coal-fired plants.

Younger said his government decided to go the legislation route rather than with another moratorium. He did not rule out the possibility that someday, with better science and research, the practice could be allowed again in Nova Scotia but not for a while.

"There's a lot of information to suggest that Nova Scotians just aren't ready for it," said Younger.

The minister's announcement came less than a week after a panel of experts led by Cape Breton University president David Wheeler released a report saying fracking shouldn’t be allowed until more independent research is done on health, environmental and economic impacts.

Wheeler didn't comment on the government's latest move on Wednesday.

"Now that this file is with the government, CBU’s work is finished," said university communications officer Lenore Parsley.

But while Wheeler wasn't saying anything, others were.

“This announcement comes after months of hard work by people in Nova Scotia showing that fracking is not part of our future we need,” said Jennifer West, the Ecology Action Centre’s geoscience co-ordinator.

The Halifax-based centre had called for a 10-year moratorium to allow time for a comprehensive study.

“This is truly a win for communities in Nova Scotia, and shows that the government and the public are willing to take leadership on the very complicated issue that is fracking.”

The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs was also pleased with the government's decision, including Chief Terrance Paul of Membertou, co-chair of the assembly.

“We were extremely concerned with what was happening in New Brunswick," said Paul, referring to violent protests that had erupted last October near Rexton. "So, hearing Nova Scotia’s decision today is certainly welcomed news.”

Neal Livingston, co-chair of the Margaree Environmental Association, said that while he welcomes the province's move, he wants to see the actual proposed legislation before lending his full support.

He said many people, while against the idea of fracking, are also opposed to proposals that place oil-and-gas exploration projects too close to people's homes.

Livingston said the proposed oil-and-gas development near Lake Ainslie in Inverness County showed how few protections were in place for property owners and important waterways.

"The issue is also about other regulations regarding oil and gas development and exploration and the fact the province has a real lack of industrial regulations around even conventional drilling," said Livingston.

"It would be very good if they proactively started doing something about antiquated and the lack of regulations regarding conventional oil-and-gas drilling."

Inverness County Deputy Warden Jim Mustard lives in a municipality that has its own bylaw prohibiting fracking, a decision that arose over plans to frack in the Lake Ainslie watershed area several years ago. He was also pleased with plan for proposed legislation.

"I'm happy just with the result, that they recognize the concerns of the community are being respected with this decision, and that we'll work forward from here," said Mustard.